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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

Covid-19:A plan for re-opening

December 2020

England

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

Foreword

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Miles Baron, Chief Executive, The Bingo Association

FAO DCMS,

The Licensed Bingo Industry in Great Britain attaches its Key Principles for reopening as part of step three in the UK government’s ‘Our Plan to Rebuild’.

The Bingo Association has provided all its Members with a detailed briefing document that covers the Key Principles of Licensed Bingo Club’s social distancing plans, supported by illustrations of detailed Risk Assessments that Local Authorities can expect to receive from operators of Licensed Bingo Clubs. The document also contains examples of marketing and messaging materials that will be used by Association members to underpin their Covid-19 and Social Distancing Protocols.

Finally the document provides guidance for members to ensure that whilst preparing for reopening Licensed Bingo Clubs do not lose sight of their Licensing and Regulatory obligations.

Bingo Association members understand that failure to complete a risk assessment which takes account of Covid-19 or to put in place sufficient measures to manage the risk of Covid-19, could constitute a breach of health and safety law. Members also understand they are expected to respond to any advice or notices issued by enforcing authorities.

While this guidance applies to England, you should always consider what Local Restriction Tier is in place in your area. Please consult the Local Restriction Tiers page for more information and to see if any restrictions are in place in your area (www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know).

The Bingo Association hopes that our Key Principles will meet with the approval of all regulatory bodies, and will give confidence that the Licensed Bingo Industry is ready and prepared to operate safely in England.

Many thanks and I look forward to any comments or questions.

Yours faithfully,

Miles BaronChief ExecutiveThe Bingo Association

Latest Cabinet Office update is shown in orange - 24 November. Effective from 2 December 2020

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

National RestrictionsNational restrictions have ceased as of 00:01 on 2 December. Until this time Bingo Clubs were required to stay closed.

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

Local Restriction TiersOn 24 November the government announced changes to the Local Restriction Tier system that will come into effect on 2 December 2020. If you live, work or volunteer in an area that is part of Tier 2: High Alert or Tier 3:Very High Alert levels, there are additional restrictions which will apply to you. Please visit the Local Restriction Tiers page to find out more information about the additional restrictions that apply.

www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

This bingo guidelines briefing document applies to Tier 1: Medium Alert. If you’re in an area in Tier 2: High Alert or Tier 3: Very High Alert, check restrictions.

PLEASE NOTE: If the area is in Tier 3: Very High Alert, the premises must close.

NHS Test and TraceIt is now mandatory for operators to follow support NHS Test and Trace guidelines by keeping records of visitors, employees and customer visits for at least 21 days. Operators must collect contact details. They can do this either by displaying a QR code to enable individuals to scan in with a smartphone, or must ask individuals to provide the operator with contact details either on their own behalf or on behalf of their group. If an individual is asked to provide contact details but refuses to do so, the operator must take all reasonable steps to prevent their entry. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works or www.gov.uk/guidance/maintaining-records-of-staff-customers-and-visitors-to-support-nhs-test-and-trace

Self Isolation – TimescalesIf you have symptoms of COVID-19 - a high temperature, new and persistent cough or anosmia -, however mild, you must self-isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started OR if you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 10 days starting from the day the test was taken.

If you have tested positive whilst not experiencing symptoms but develop symptoms during the isolation period, you must restart the 10 day isolation period from the day you develop symptoms.

Clinically extremely vulnerable should follow the advice for the Tier allocation in their area. For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#definition

EnforcementMembers will note that where the enforcing authority such as the HSE or your local authority, identifies employers who are not taking action to comply with the relevant public health legislation and guidance to control public health risks, they are empowered to take a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks. For example, this would cover employers not taking appropriate action to ensure social distancing, where possible.

The actions the enforcing authority can take include the provision of specific advice to employers to support them to achieve the required standard, through to issuing enforcement notices to help secure improvements. Serious

Key Principles

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es For Re-opening Retail Bingo Clubs:Compliance with Covid-19 Secure Guidelines (BA recommended standards)

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

breaches and failure to comply with enforcement notices can constitute a criminal offence, with serious fines and even imprisonment for up to two years. There is also a wider system of enforcement, which includes specific obligations and conditions for licensed premises.

The vast majority of employers are responsible and will join with the UK’s fight against Covid-19 by working with the Government and their sector bodies to protect their workers and the public. However, inspectors are carrying out compliance checks nationwide to ensure that employers are taking the necessary steps.

Please note: Many local authorities are now using Covid-19 marshals. The role of a Covid-19 secure marshal or equivalent is not to enforce Covid-19 regulations, or have any enforcement powers, which should remain the remit of the police and designated local authority compliance and enforcement officers. Covid-19 secure marshals or equivalents should instead engage, explain and encourage best practice and national Covid-19 secure guidance. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-local-authority-compliance-and-enforcement-grant/guidance-to-support-local-authority-compliance-and-enforcement-activity-including-covid-19-secure-marshals-or-equivalents

Entering and Exiting Our Bingo Clubs• Face Coverings - All bingo customers are legally required to wear a face covering during their visit to bingo,

although they are able to remove this once seated in the bingo hall to consume food and drink. A full list of where you must wear a face covering in England is available on www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/

Please be mindful that some individuals and groups have reasonable excuses for not wearing a face covering due to age, health or other conditions which are not always visible.

• Entry to Bingo Clubs will be made in a controlled manner and team members/colleagues will be used to maintain the appropriate social distancing requirement. The law currently (as at 2 December 2020) limits social interaction to no more than 6 people in any location. To find out more about meeting in other tiers safely and support bubbles please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

• Therefore, Bingo premises which are Covid-19 secure will ensure that subject to capacity limits individual groups will not interact with anyone outside the group they are attending the venue with.

• Bingo Clubs should consider the cumulative impact of many venues re-opening in a small area. This means working with local authorities, neighbouring businesses and travel operators to assess this risk and applying additional mitigations. These could include:

• Further lowering capacity - even if it is possible to safely seat a number of people inside a venue, it may not be safe for them all to travel or enter that venue.

• Staggering entry times with other venues and taking steps to avoid queues building up in surrounding areas.

• Arranging one-way travel routes between transport hubs and venues.

• Advising patrons to avoid particular forms of transport or routes and to avoid crowded areas when in transit to the venue.

• Hand sanitiser will be available to customers prior to entry.

• Signage will clearly promote social distancing, club hygiene measures and personal hygiene responsibilities via constructive ‘nudge ‘style messages.

• Bingo Clubs will maintain Social Responsibility procedures regarding age verification and self-exclusion at point of entry as normal.

• Depending on space and design limitations Bingo Clubs will consider using reception areas for entry only; arranging for separate exits to be used for leaving the building.

• Travel – Bingo Clubs will encourage members to avoid using public transport, and aim to walk, cycle or drive instead. www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

Maintaining Safety Whilst Consuming Food and Drink• Bingo clubs in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas are required to stop serving alcohol to customers at 10pm and close the

premises at 11pm.

• Where practical, our Bingo Clubs will utilise one-way systems in public areas including bar and restaurant areas.

• Bingo Clubs are not required to implement mandatory table service for food and drink. However, if in a Tier 2 area, alcohol can only be served as part of a table meal.

Maintaining Social Distancing• Social Distancing will be maintained throughout the Bingo Clubs in-line with the Government’s Covid-19 Secure

Guidelines which are current at that time. Currently this is 2m or 1m with risk mitigation.

• Social distancing in Tier 1 - Customers must not socialise in groups larger than 6 people, indoors or outdoors, other than where a legal exemption applies. This is called the ‘rule of 6’.

• Social distancing in Tier 2 - Customers must not socialise with anyone they do not live with or who is not in their support bubble in any indoor setting.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

• Please note that some indoor performances will now be allowed. For more information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts#arts-3-1

For information regards shouting and loud music please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing/coronavirus-covid-19-meeting-with-others-safely-social-distancing

• Each Bingo Club will be assessed for the installation of screens in appropriate locations.

• Each Bingo Club will adhere to a capacity level the calculation of which will ensure that current appropriate social distancing guidelines are maintained at all points in the customer journey.

• Colleagues will ensure that appropriate capacity limits will be maintained in specific zones (such as smoking areas, lifts, toilets).

• Service points (including for book sales, bar and food) will be reconfigured to allow for appropriate social distancing.

• A high level of cleaning will always be maintained in Bingo Clubs, supported by documented protocols and risk assessments.

• Toilets – Members will ensure that toilets are kept open and to ensure/promote good hygiene, social distancing and cleanliness in toilet facilities. www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

• Members will ensure the following steps will be given consideration;

- Using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to increase handwashing frequency and to avoid touching your face, and to cough or sneeze into a tissue which is binned safely, or into your arm if a tissue is not available.

- Consider the use of social distancing marking in areas where queues normally form, and the adoption of a limited entry approach, with one in, one out (whilst avoiding the creation of additional bottlenecks).

- To enable good hand hygiene consider making hand sanitiser available on entry to toilets where safe and practical, and ensure suitable handwashing facilities including running water and liquid soap and suitable options for drying (either paper towels or hand driers) are available.

- Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets, with increased frequency of cleaning in line with usage. Use normal cleaning products, paying attention to frequently hand touched surfaces, and consider use of disposable cloths or paper roll to clean all hard surfaces.

- Keep the facilities well ventilated, for example by fixing doors open where appropriate.

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

- Special care should be taken for cleaning of portable toilets and larger toilet blocks.

- Putting up a visible cleaning schedule can keep it up to date and visible.

- Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection. For more information on waste disposal in non-healthcare settings, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

Maintaining Safety Whilst Playing Bingo and Gaming Machines • Sanitiser will be available upon request to customers when playing bingo or gaming machines in Bingo Clubs

where possible available from roving employees.

• Tables and seating restrictions will be arranged to maintain appropriate social distancing within the Bingo Club. This will include a proportion of seating becoming unavailable for use by customers but will form part of the Bingo Clubs working capacity calculations.

• Areas for customers who are from the same group will be clearly marked with adequate signage.

• Interval game ‘scatter boards’ will be cleaned pre-session. Cashline counters (where used) will be pre-bagged and issued to players for their own exclusive personal use on request.

• Customers will be encouraged to make contactless transactions wherever possible.

• Gaming machine positions will be reconfigured to maintain social distancing between players. In zones where this is not possible, machines will be made unavailable, or screens will be deployed between the positions.

• Gaming machines will be cleaned before a Bingo Club opens and after a customer has finished playing. Voucher Redemption Terminals and ATMs will be cleaned at least once per hour.

• Where a premises delivers a mix of services, only those services that are permitted to be open should be available.

Our Colleagues’ (Employers and Employees) Role in Promoting Covid-19 Secure Guidelines• Our Bingo Clubs will ensure the highest possible level of compliance with the Government’s published Covid-19

Secure Guidance for shops and branches www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19 and for restaurants, pubs and bars, www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

• Our team members/colleagues will be trained to remind our customers of current social distancing guidance.

• All customer-facing colleagues will be asked to wear face coverings where there is close customer contact and there is no physical barrier between the employee and customer. Face coverings will be provided. Colleagues will be encouraged to follow Government guidance on the use of face coverings www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#face-coverings-at-work

• Hand sanitiser stations will be available throughout Bingo Clubs, including back of house areas.

• In line with HSE / PHE guidance, all Bingo Clubs will have undertaken risk assessments so that colleagues are able to receive guidance on making the necessary adjustments to their role (for instance, guidance on hygiene and social distancing).

• Seating in staff rooms and office areas will be re-configured to maintain social distancing.

• Bingo Clubs will ensure that team members/colleagues will physically attend meetings only when absolutely necessary and observe social distancing at all times.

• Shift times and working hours will be reviewed and where possible start and finish times staggered. Where possible shift patterns will be arranged to match up colleagues within the same teams. The aim will be to reduce the number of colleagues coming into contact with each other wherever possible.

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Covid-19: A plan for re-opening | © The Bingo AssociationDecember 2020

Working from Home• Operators should make every reasonable effort to ensure their employees can work safely. This may be

working from home, or within the workplace if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. When in the workplace, everyone should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable). For more information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know

Security• Bingo Clubs should consider the security implications of any decisions and control measures you intend

to put in place, as any revisions could present new or altered security risks that may require mitigation.

• Bingo Clubs must review the measures put in place to make sure they are working. You should also review them if they may no longer be effective or if there are changes in the workplace that could lead to new risks.

• Bingo Clubs need to maintain the use of security access devices, such as keypads or passes, and adjusting processes at entry/exit points to reduce risk of transmission. For example, cleaning pass readers regularly and asking staff to hold their passes above pass readers rather than touching them.

• Bingo Clubs need to ensure that in managing outside queues they do not cause a risk to individuals, other businesses or create additional security risks. Consider introducing queuing systems, using barriers and having staff direct customers.

• Bingo Clubs need to review external messaging to visitors (and customers) to make sure it does not provide information that may present a security risk, such as the location of queues or the number of people permitted in a queue.

• Bingo Clubs need to consider whether you have enough staff to keep people safe. For example, having dedicated staff to encourage social distancing and manage security.

Social Responsibility• Our Bingo Club teams will be trained to support customer interventions that promote Safer Gambling only using

techniques that are consistent with Covid-19 Social Distancing guidelines.

Emergencies• In the event of a fire or other similar emergency Team members/Colleagues will not be expected to maintain

social distancing protocols where to do so would put the safety of customers and other team members at increased risk.

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